Hopatcong man who blew air horn in bunny suit at police pleads guilty

A Sussex County man who wore a bunny costume and blew an air horn inside a police station has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

Kevin Hemmerich entered the plea Thursday and was fined $500. The judge also ordered a police officer charged with striking him in Hopatcong last November to stand trial July 6.

Hopatcong police Officer Nicholas Maresca Jr. has pleaded not guilty to charges of simple assault and harassment. More than 50 officers came to court Thursday to support Maresca.

Kevin Hemmerich, accompanied by his brother, entered the Hopatcong Police Department lobby to turn himself in for an outstanding warrant. Hemmerich was dressed in a bunny costume and repeatedly blew the air horn in the front lobby of the station.

The brothers told News 12 New Jersey at the time of the incident that they decided to film the encounter for Facebook because they thought that it would be funny.

Maresca is seen in the video striking Hemmerich immediately after asking him about the air horn.